When growing in artificial media, the number of bacteria increases in geometric progression via:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Logarithmic phase. During this phase, bacteria multiply exponentially due to abundant nutrients and favorable conditions. The growth is rapid and follows a geometric progression. In contrast, the Death phase (choice B) occurs when nutrients are depleted, leading to a decline in bacterial numbers. The Stationary phase (choice C) is when growth equals death rates, resulting in a stable population size. Choice D is incorrect because the Logarithmic phase accurately describes the exponential growth pattern of bacteria in artificial media.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (Nystatin) is the correct answer: 1. Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically effective against Candida infections. 2. Candida is a type of fungus, not a bacteria targeted by penicillins (choice A) or cephalosporins (choice B). 3. Nystatin works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, leading to its death. 4. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as Nystatin is a suitable treatment option for Candida infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: peroxisomes. Peroxisomes contain enzymes involved in breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances. They do not contain digestive enzymes. Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes involved in breaking down waste materials. Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis and do not contain digestive enzymes. Mitochondria are involved in energy production and do not contain digestive enzymes. Therefore, the correct answer is peroxisomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rickettsia. Rickettsia is a host-dependent bacterium because it requires living cells of a host organism to survive and replicate. This bacterium is an obligate intracellular pathogen, meaning it cannot grow outside of a host cell. A: Mycoplasma and B: Ureaplasma are not host-dependent as they can grow and reproduce in cell-free environments due to possessing their own unique cell wall structures. D: Micrococcus is a free-living bacterium that can survive and reproduce independently without relying on a host organism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Middlebrook's medium. This medium is specifically designed for the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to its low concentration of malachite green, which inhibits the growth of other bacteria but not Mycobacterium species. Middlebrook's medium also contains various nutrients that support the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A: Middlebrook's medium is the correct answer, not incorrect. B: Heart infusion broth is a general-purpose medium, not specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. C: MacConkey agar is selective for gram-negative bacteria and would not support the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In summary, Middlebrook's medium is the ideal choice for cultivating Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to its specific formulation that promotes the growth of this pathogen while inhibiting other bacteria.